Law on the Frontlines: Legal Reference for Public Libraries

Legal reference is a specialized area that requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. For public library staff—especially generalists—it’s not always easy to build confidence in this area without regular exposure. Fortunately, with training and practice, anyone can become more comfortable assisting patrons with legal questions.

A Practical Approach to Legal Reference

Traditional legal research training has focused on foundational materials - statutes, cases, regulations, and legal treatises. While these remain important, this guide takes a more practical approach. It’s designed to help public library staff:

Recognize when a question has a legal dimension
Respond with appropriate information and resources
Navigate complex topics without providing legal advice

Rather than focusing solely on in-depth legal research, this training prepares you to assist with the real-life legal questions that patrons bring to your desk every day.

Statewide Training and Support

The content on this page supports and complements a larger training effort across Maryland. In 2016, the Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, and the Conference of Maryland Court Law Library Directors launched the first statewide legal reference curriculum for public libraries. This partnership continues to support librarians through:

Build Your Legal Reference Skills

With the right tools, you can feel confident and prepared to support patrons navigating the legal system. Whether you’re answering a question about court forms or helping someone understand how to start a custody process, your role is critical in promoting access to justice.